Department of Administrative Services

In a state facility or institution this class is accountable for receiving generalized paraprofessional training in the implementation of treatment plans, designed by a professional therapist, to improve or correct disorders in the intellectual disability, emotional, or motor status of patients and/or individuals.

Initially works under close supervision of an employee of higher grade; may work more independently with acquired experience.

Receives training in and assists in a variety of rehabilitation services; therapeutically uses constructive rehabilitation activities in skilled crafts and various art forms; conducts recreational activities; oversees and instructs work crew on methods and procedures for completing work assignment(s); provides rehabilitation and skill building in job skills development programs designed to develop individual potential; conducts life skills training groups; participates in interdisciplinary treatment teams; observes, reports and charts patient/individual behavior or response; may transport patients/individuals; cleans areas and maintains equipment and supplies; under supervision of a professional therapist may prepare treatment plans; performs related duties as required.

Some knowledge of rehabilitation principles and practices; some knowledge of physical and psychosocial disorders; some knowledge of recovery and intellectual disability and substance abuse; some knowledge of individual and group dynamics; considerable interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; ability to encourage, instruct and work effectively with patients/individuals; ability in one or more art forms or crafts applicable to therapy program; ability to carry out instructions; ability to observe, report and chart patient/individual behavior or response; ability to discern program results; ability to utilize computer software.

Two (2) years of experience working with patients and/or individuals exhibiting intellectual disability, emotional or motor status disorders.

College training may be substituted for the General Experience on the basis of fifteen (15) semester hours equalling one-half (1/2) year of experience to a maximum of four (4) years for a Bachelor's degree.

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain a current certification as a Water Safety Instructor (WSI), Red Cross Advanced Life Saving, Red Cross Life Guard and/or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to be certified in accordance with Department of Developmental Services regulations for the administration of medication by certified unlicensed personnel.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Motor Vehicle Operator’s license.
5. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain patients and/or individuals and may have some exposure to moderately disagreeable conditions, infectious and/or communicable diseases and risk of injury from assaultive or abusive patients/individuals.

This replaces the existing specification for the class of  Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant 1 in Salary Group HN 15 approved effective January 15, 1988. (Revised to reflect Agency language change)